English 11

Classical Rhetoric

Classical Rhetoric is a yearlong study in the skills of written and oral persuasion. We will master these skills through the study of Aristotle's Rhetoric, Traditional Logic, Figures of Speech, and a “Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading.” While forming our own minds with logic and literary devices, we will read through those who have mastered these skills before us.

This course is based on The Rhetoric and Poetics of Aristotle and covers the first two elements of writing and oratory with which he dealt--the speaker and the audience. The course is built upon reading and detailed note taking, evaluative writing assignments, weekly research, analytical reading exercises, figures of speech lessons, a review of traditional logic, and case study analysis.

As a class, we will study three model speeches from Homer, Plato, and Abraham Lincoln as examples of the three branches of classical oratory, and students will enjoy analyzing Marc Antony's "Funeral Oration" from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar as an example of a great speech that defies all expectations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The student will understand and apply the principles found in Aristotle’s Rhetoric

The student will learn how to read, mark, and summarize dense text

The student will learn classic figures of speech

The student will learn how to analyze the effectiveness of his & others writing through traditional logical exercises.

SUGGESTED PREREQUISITES:

We suggest either Advanced Composition or Logic as prerequisites. A review of Logic is also incorporated into this Rhetoric course.

Students taking this course for Kolbe Core (OK) credit will be required to submit 4 larger composition assignments per semester as chosen by their instructor. Core students should also expect to have daily reading, shorter weekly written assignments, required participation, and exams as assigned by their instructor. All requirements are assigned and graded by the instructor.